HICKORY

Yes...He won the KABC and the 11th coaches vote. If anything, they greatly underachieved.

That can be the only explanation for Billy Hicks not winning COY in the 11th. Whatever your opinion is of him and /or Scott Co, he should have been a runaway winner. Instead, the 11th region coaches voted Mike Mendenhall from Lafayette. Lafayette was arguably the favorite heading into the season. They had 12 losses (9 or 10 at the time of voting). After the vote they proceed to lose both the district final and regional quarterfinal when leading with less than a minute left. They also had the POY in Jackson Davis. To make matters worse, neither Mendenhall or Davis showed up to receive their awards last night I have been told. These actions are hard to understand.

First, IMO, Tanner Johnson has become nothing more than a spot up 3 point shooter. During warm ups he shoots it from 25-30 feet. He can get to the basket when he wants, he chooses not to for whatever reason. When guarded closely he is easily pushed out of the lane. Second, Martini is a glue, no doubt. He had two key early blocks to help set the tone last night. He plays hard and is fun to watch. Lastly, rumor has it Long did not start because of discipline issues...either way it took Catholic a full quarter to adjust. Really surprised they didn't attack Sc with Long out....and Scott Co will not win a state title. Draw is too tough and not enough offense against quicker and better teams than Catholic. Most teams won't let Ware spot up and shoot...he was open all night long. That made zero sense.

Banks pushed Dence off the block...which is easy to do when you don't fight for position. Why did it take Catholic a whole quarter to start double teaming Gilbert? Game was over after the first quarter.

Yes. 2 game suspension.

Absolutely no way the margin will be that big. Too big a rivalry. Even though SC drilled them a few weeks ago, Catholic now healthy, outside of Griffin.

Man...sounded like a great game...shame they had to meet in the first round.

This is interesting...they are 1-1 on the season. I'm going to go with the mild upset and take Madison Southern. Coach Buttry has been known to devise quite the game plan when he has time to prepare. There might not be the name power here as the other matchups but this will be a war as well.

Franklin Co has zero chance. Team dynamic issues do not resolve themselves in March. No way they beat Feldhaus and company. This one doesn't have to be close.

With no Griffin, Scott County avenges last year's regional semi final loss. However, if somehow the Knights can get a lead late, they will spread the floor and the lack of foot speed from the Scott County guards can lead to the Catholic upset. It would not surprise me if Catholic spreads the floor from the tip. Scott County has struggled with quick teams that attack the basket.

Here's the skinny...I've said it all year long that guard play and perimeter shooting can be (and has been) the achilles heels for the Generals. Lafayette plays all 32 minutes the same...evidence by Harrison Lane taking a 3 with a minute to go in regulation in the district final. They also had key turnovers at the wrong times...as has been the case in their losses. Henry Clay must handle the pressure and score in transition. The two best players in the 11th will be in prime time. The Henry Clay guards and Davis are the keys. HC has no one who can handle Davis so how will the Blue Devils defend him? Double team? Zone? Game plan will be interesting because Lafayette will do the same thing they always do. Clay must handle the pressure...if not, as they haven't in their first two matchups, then the Generals move on. If so, it is anyone's game.

Young teams won't look good in December. Have steadily improved against a wicked schedule. Green and Davis are top two players in region...not close.

Very young group against a schedule made out for last year's roster. Good time to hit a stride. They attacked Scott Co...who lacks the perimeter quickness of team's past to guard the ball. Jordan Green was the best player on the floor...by far. Should make for an interesting draw. I hope the semis will be HC, SC, Catholic and Lafayette. That's a serious double header.

Sadly, the story of the existence. Outside of the All A, they have never been to a region. I see the 43 rd next year as Catholic, PLD, Lafayette, LCA and Tates Creek. For LCA to make the region next year they must get better guard play.

If you are Rice, how would you react? Not sure I'd be ok with a kid saying he is reopening his recruitment but hasn't decommitted yet. I'm not criticizing Davis or his family but my point is if I'm at Rice I'd be tempted to say make a choice. Tough situation. He's had a great year.

Actually, the region semi. The only highlight needed is his dunk on PLD in the quarterfinal. Nasty...plain nasty. I'll take HC because they have the best player on the floor. Should be an interesting night of hoops in Lex!

Looks like LCA survived. Unfortunately, Lafayette awaits. Looks like another year of no LCA in the region.

First region in 16 years? Is anything in that town open today?

Sounds like it was a great game! If anyone hasn't been to the Louisville regions, it can be argued that they are just as good, if not some years, better than the Sweet 16!

Point taken...thanks.

Ever coached against 12th region officials? I rest my case.

Respect is to be earned. When is the last time they had a win in the sweet 16? I ask this because I do not know...

The 11th is better and 12th region officials, from top to bottom, aren't as good. The top 2-3 officials in the 12th are solid but after that it is pretty weak.

Hard for anyone from the 11th to go to the 12th and win.

I know nothing about this story but that's just plain awesome!! It is a shame these kinds of stories get lost in all the other mess.